SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (May 12, 2011) —Legendary firearms maker Smith & Wesson renewed its major sponsorship of National Hunting and Fishing Day. With the renewed sponsorship NHF Day continues to grow and promote conservation throughout the nation.

NHF Day promotes conservation efforts by outdoorsman, and each year takes place on the fourth Saturday in September, that is set for Sept. 24, 2011.

Smith & Wesson’s sponsorship supports Wonders of Wildlife museum—the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. The Springfield, Mo., facility oversees educational initiatives to help the American public understand the indelible relationship between hunting, angling, healthy habitat, and wildlife and fisheries conservation.

NHF Day has had many honorary chairs that have helped promote the message of conservation. This year noted businessman, outdoorsman and philanthropist T. Boone Pickens serves as the honorary chair for NHF Day. Widely known as one of America’s most prominent and influential businessmen in history, Pickens remains a strong advocate for conserving a heritage that was instilled in him at a very young age.

His renowned “Pickens Plan” is designed to decrease dependency on foreign oil while harnessing domestic energy alternatives such as wind power. Pickens also is a prominent philanthropist with contributions to charitable causes exceeding $700 million.

“National Hunting and Fishing Day brings focus to the beauty, joy and resources that the great outdoors can provide to those that are passionate about it and to the many that have not yet experienced it,” said Paul Pluff, director of marketing for Smith & Wesson. This is a huge opportunity for outdoorsman to promote conservation efforts others may not recognize.

“National Hunting and Fishing Day represents more than conserving our natural resources,” said Misty Mitchell, Director of Conservation Programs, Wonders of Wildlife. “It is an opportunity to educate others about the many valuable contributions that hunters and fisherman make to preserve the dwindling resources that we as outdoorsman face. With the continued sponsorship of Smith & Wesson, NHF Day continues to grow the strong legacy that began in 1972.”